# Desmos Test Mode vs Aktiv Learning

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Aktiv Learning at 73% against Desmos Test Mode's 17%. Aktiv Learning also leads on rating (3.2 vs 1.6) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). Desmos Test Mode's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aktiv Learning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Desmos Test Mode asks for nothing beyond the download.

Aktiv Learning holds the better App Store score, 3.2 against 1.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 369 and 184 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of Desmos Test Mode's written reviews are positive against 73% of Aktiv Learning's.

Desmos Test Mode ships an update every 4 months, Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Desmos Test Mode | Aktiv Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.6 (369 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-test-mode/id977381005/reviews) | **[3.2 (184 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aktiv-learning/id1128486439/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **369** | 184 |
| Positive reviews | 16.5% of reviews | **72.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 95 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Desmos](https://appshunter.io/developer/653517543) | [Top Hat Monocle](https://appshunter.io/developer/411098284) |

## What reviewers say

### Desmos Test Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-test-mode/id977381005)

This app provides restricted versions of graphing and scientific calculators designed to meet exam requirements. It allows users to practice for specific state or national assessments by selecting the appropriate test mode. Full, unrestricted calculator features are available in separate applications.

**Highlights:** Exam-compliant calculator modes, Graphing capabilities, Scientific calculator functions, Data tables and statistics, Interactive sliders, Points of interest on graphs

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Useful app for tests
- 🔒 Secure calculator mode
- 👍 Free alternative to expensive calculators

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unstable
- 🔒 Overly restrictive app lock
- 👎 Poor user interface and usability

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes during use
- Unexpected phone behavior and lockouts
- Compatibility issues across different devices and OS versions

**Requested features**

- Add customization options for the calculator interface
- Improve compatibility with older devices
- Provide more flexible calculator modes during tests


### Aktiv Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aktiv-learning/id1128486439)

This platform offers dynamic problems and interactive tools for college-level chemistry and math. It helps students visualize abstract STEM concepts and provides instructors with real-time insights into class understanding. Features include a mobile-friendly Lewis structure drawing tool and over 250 practice questions.

**Highlights:** Interactive Lewis structure drawing tool, Dynamic STEM problems, Real-time class results, Over 250 built-in practice questions, Create in-class or homework assignments, Isoform recognition for answers

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chem101 Course Activation | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 📱 Works seamlessly on both mobile and desktop
- 💡 Interactive problem-solving tools (Lewis structures, dimensional analysis)
- 🎯 Multiple attempts per question reduce fear of failure
- 📚 Detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing
- ⏱️ Extremely slow loading times
- 🔐 Login and authentication issues
- 📱 Drag-and-drop functionality malfunctions on iPad
- ❌ Confusing and unclear question directions

**Reported bugs**

- Pop-up warnings flicker and disappear too quickly
- Drag-and-drop fails 70% of the time on iOS
- App crashes on specific problems with no recovery
- Login errors and password reset failures
- Users locked out of questions permanently

**Requested features**

- In-app notification system for assignment reminders
- Ability to sign up for courses on mobile app
- Split-screen functionality on iPad
- Zoom capability for periodic table
- Reset button for Lewis structure questions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Desmos Test Mode free?

Desmos Test Mode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Aktiv Learning free?

Aktiv Learning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Desmos Test Mode or Aktiv Learning?

Aktiv Learning is rated higher. Desmos Test Mode averages 1.6 out of 5 from 369 ratings, while Aktiv Learning averages 3.2 from 184 ratings.

### Do Desmos Test Mode or Aktiv Learning have ads?

Neither Desmos Test Mode nor Aktiv Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Desmos Test Mode or Aktiv Learning?

Desmos Test Mode ships an update every 4 months, and Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. Most recently, Desmos Test Mode was updated on October 14, 2026 and Aktiv Learning on October 14, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*